The Crawford-Marion Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board (ADAMH) are partnering with Together We Hurt, Together We Heal (TWHTWH) and Maryhaven for the sixth Nasal Naloxone Project 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Bucyrus Public Library.

The class will focus on how to properly administer nasal naloxone.

Naloxone is a medication commonly known as narcan. It can reverse an overdose caused by heroin or prescription pain medications that have opioids in them.

“The class is recommended for individuals with a family member addicted to heroin or prescription opiates or those who are addicted to opiates,” Crawford-Marion ADAMH Board Executive Director Jody Demo-Hodgins said. “The program is modeled after Project DAWN.”

She said the class teaches people how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an overdose.

“It will teach them to distinguish between the different types of overdoses and how to preform rescue breathing,” Demo-Hodgins said. “They should always call emergency medical services in the event of an overdose.”

When naloxone is administered during an overdose, it blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and quickly restores breathing.

“It has been used safely by EMTs and other emergency medical professionals for more than 40 years.” Demo-Hodgins said.

She said naloxone is used for one thing only and that is to reverse opioid based overdoses. It is harmless if a person is given naloxone and is not experiencing an opioid overdose, Demo-Hodgins added.

The program has distributed over 125 kits this year and each individual will leave with a free overdose prevention kit.

“The kits contain two doses of naloxone, two nasal aspirators, a face shield and directions.” Demo-Hodgins said. “The cost of the kits is supported through a grant and reimbursement funds from the Ohio Attorney General’s office.”

Demo-Hodgins said in 2014, Crawford County had eight opioid overdose deaths, up from two in 2013 and five in 2012.

“The last three years have been down significantly from the Crawford County high of 12 deaths in 2007,” she said. “At that time, the county was fifth highest in the number of opiate OD deaths per capita. This year, we are in 44 out of 88 counties. There has been significant improvement but we still want to move that number to zero deaths due to opioid overdoses.”

Space is limited to 25 people. Registration deadline is Oct. 23. Call 419-562-7288.